MRC MRL3 15 Product manual

Distance Laser Sensor
MRL3 15
MRL3 30
MRL3H 15
MRL3H 30
Technical Reference Manual
V3.0
Please check www.metrologyresource.com
for the latest version

Table of Contents
1 Introduction......................................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Product identification....................................................................................................................................4
1.2 Components.................................................................................................................................................4
1.3 Validity..........................................................................................................................................................4
1.4 Measurement range.....................................................................................................................................5
1.5 Prevention of erroneous measurements......................................................................................................6
2 Device setup....................................................................................................................................................7
2.1 Connection ...................................................................................................................................................8
2.2 Controlled mode...........................................................................................................................................9
2.3 Automatic mode .........................................................................................................................................10
2.3 Display mode..............................................................................................................................................11
2.3 External Trigger..........................................................................................................................................11
3 Installation .....................................................................................................................................................13
3.1 Mounting.....................................................................................................................................................13
3.2 Device wiring..............................................................................................................................................13
3.3 Alignment of the laser beam.......................................................................................................................15
4 Technical data ...............................................................................................................................................16
4.1 Measuring accuracy...................................................................................................................................16
4.2 Specifications .............................................................................................................................................16
5 Electrical components ...................................................................................................................................18
5.1 ID switch.....................................................................................................................................................18
5.2 Reset switch...............................................................................................................................................18
5.3 Digital output...............................................................................................................................................18
5.3 Digital input.................................................................................................................................................18
5.5 Analog output .............................................................................................................................................19
5.6 Connector...................................................................................................................................................20
6 Physical dimensions......................................................................................................................................22
7 Factory settings .............................................................................................................................................23
7.1 Operation....................................................................................................................................................23
7.2 Communication parameters.......................................................................................................................23
7.3 Analog outputs ...........................................................................................................................................23
7.4 Module ID...................................................................................................................................................23
7.5 Digital output 1 (DOUT1)............................................................................................................................23
7.6 Digital output 2 (DOUT2)............................................................................................................................23
7.7 Digital Input 1 (DI1) ....................................................................................................................................23
7.8 User Distance Offset ..................................................................................................................................23
8 Command set ................................................................................................................................................24
8.1 General.......................................................................................................................................................24
8.2 Operation commands.................................................................................................................................25
8.3 Configuration commands ...........................................................................................................................28
8.4 Digital Input.................................................................................................................................................34
8.5 Special User Commands............................................................................................................................35
8.6 Error Codes................................................................................................................................................38
9 Accessories ...................................................................................................................................................39
9.1 Viewfinder...................................................................................................................................................39
9.2 Target plates...............................................................................................................................................39
9.3 Laser Glasses ............................................................................................................................................39
9.4 Cables ........................................................................................................................................................40
9.5 Connector cover for IP65 ...........................................................................................................................40

9.6 Connector cover with 90° cable exit IP65 ..................................................................................................40
10 Safety instructions.......................................................................................................................................41
10.1 Use of the instrument...............................................................................................................................41
10.2 Limits to use .............................................................................................................................................41
10.3 Areas of responsibility ..............................................................................................................................42
10.4 Hazards in use .........................................................................................................................................42
10.5 Laser classification...................................................................................................................................44
10.6 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) .......................................................................................................45
10.7 Producer Standards .................................................................................................................................45
10.8 Disposal....................................................................................................................................................45
10.9 Labeling....................................................................................................................................................46
10.10 Maintenance...........................................................................................................................................47
10.11 Service....................................................................................................................................................47

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1 Introduction
The MRL-3 (H) is a powerful distance measuring instrument for integration into industrial applications. It
allows accurate and contact-less distance measurement over a wide range using the reflection of a laser
beam:
Figure 1: Standard Application
Key features
Measurement range 0.2 to 150 m
Compatible with MRL-2 (H)
Serial interface (RS232 and RS422)
Connection of up to 10 modules on a single RS422 line
Wide range power supply (9...30VDC)
Programmable analog output (0/4...20mA)
Two programmable digital outputs (DO1 and DO2)
Digital output for error signalization (DOE)
D-Sub connector and screw terminal joint for easy connection
One programmable digital input (DI 1)
ASCII protocol to control external display
IP65 (protected against ingress of dust and water)
4 LEDs for status signaling
Complementary configuration software available at MRC web site (www.metrologyresource.com)
Optional: Internal heater for module operation down to -40°C
Laser class II (<0.95mW)
Accessories for easy use of the sensor
CAUTION
Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified
herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.

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1.1 Product identification
The product is identified by the serial label on the top of the enclosure:
Version
Typical Accuracy
1.5mm
3.0mm
Standard version
MRL3 15
Part No.: 500602
MRL3 30
Part No.: 500601
Extended temperature range MRL3H 15
Part No.: 500612
MRL3H 30
Part No.: 500611
1.2 Components
1 Status LEDs
status signaling
2 15-Pin D-Sub connector
RS422, RS232, analog, digital output
3 Cable gland (M16 x 1.5mm)
for connection cable insertion
4 Caver
provides access to electrical components
5 N/A
6 Reset Switch
Resets the MRL3 (H) to default settings
7 Screw terminal
RS422, RS232, analog, digital output
8 ID switch
defines the module ID for RS422 operation
9 Laser beam outlet
10 Receiver optics
11 Product label
see 10.9 Labeling on page 42
1.3 Validity
This manual is valid for MRL3H devices with the following software version:
Interface software version: 0100 or later
Board software version: 0100 or later
To get the software version of the MRL3 use the command described in 8.3.9 Get software version (sNsv) on
page 29.
5
8
7
6
10
1
9
11
1
5
4
2
3
111

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1.4 Measurement range
The MRL3 (H) is an optical instrument, whose operation is influenced by environmental conditions. Therefore, the
measurement range achieved in the application can vary. The following conditions may influence the measurement
range:
Key
Factors increasing range
Factors reducing range
Target surface
Bright and reflecting surfaces such as the target
plates (See 9 Accessories on page 35)
Matt and dark surfaces
Green and blue surfaces
Airborne particles
Clean air
Dust, fog, heavy rainfall, heavy snowfall
Sunshine
Darkness
Bright sunshine at target
The MRL3 (H) does not compensate the influence of atmospheric environment, which may be relevant when measuring
long distances (e.g. > 150m). These effects are described in:
B.Edlen: “ The Refractive Index of Air, Metrologia 2”, 71 -80 (1966)
1.5 Prevention of erroneous measurements
1.5.1 Rough surfaces
On a rough surface (e.g. coarse plaster), measure against the center of the illuminated area. To avoid
measuring to the bottom of plaster joints use a target plate (see accessories) or board.
1.5.2 Transparent surfaces
To avoid measuring errors, do not measure towards transparent surfaces such as colorless liquids (such as water) or
(dust free) glass. For unfamiliar materials and liquids, always take a trial measurement.
Erroneous measurements can occur when aiming through panes of glass,
or if there are several objects in the line of sight.
1.5.3 Wet, smooth, or high-gloss surfaces
1Aiming at an “acute“ angle deflects the laser beam. The MRL3 (H) may receive a signal that is
too weak (error message 255) or it may measure the distance targeted by the deflected laser beam.
2 If aiming at a right angle, the MRL3 (H) may receive a signal that is too strong (error message 256).
1.5.4 Inclined, round surfaces
Measurement is possible as long as there is enough target surface area for the laser spot.
1.5.5 Multiple reflections
Erroneous measurements can occur in the case that the laser beam is reflected from other objects than the
target. Avoid any reflecting object along the measurement path.
2 Device setup
We recommend performing the configuration steps in an office before mounting the device, especially if you
are not familiar with the MRL3 (H).

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The MRL3 (H) supports two types of operation modes:
Controlled mode
Automatic mode
The first decision to be taken is the type of operation mode that will be used to transmit the distance
measurement data. While the controlled mode provides maximum flexibility and accuracy, it is often not
suitable for integration into existing PLCs or analog environments. In such cases the automatic mode might
be preferred.
Key
controlled mode
automatic mode
(with analog output and digital outputs)
Accuracy
Maximum measurement accuracy
Accuracy depends on signal scaling
(see 8.3.5 on page 26)
Flexibility
Access to full command set
Limited
Integration
Requires protocol implementation
Wiring of AO and DO signals
Connection
Connection of up to 10 MRL3 (H)s to
a single RS-422 line.
Point-to-point connection
The following two sections describe the configuration of the MRL3 (H) for the controlled and automatic
modes.
2.1 Connection
To be able to configure the MRL3 (H), it must be powered and connected to a PC. Figure 2 shows the
necessary connections. On the PC, any terminal program can be used to communicate with the module.
Additionally, a configuration utility is available on the web page www.metrologyresource.com.
Figure 2: Connection for MRL3(H) Configuration

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2.2 Controlled mode
In controlled mode, each operation of a MRL3 (H) is triggered by a command sent from a host system over a
serial line. While a single device can be connected to the host system using the RS232 interface, up to 10
devices can be connected to a single serial RS422 line. The related command set is described in Chapter 8
on page 21.
2.2.1 Configuration
After connecting the module, the steps below are necessary to configure the MRL3 (H) for the controlled
interface mode.
No.
Action
Comment
Command
1
Set ID switch
Changes of the module ID are
activated after a power cycle.
Example for module 0:
Change the ID Switch to position 0
Set ID switch to position 0
Power OFF; Wait 10s; Power ON
2
Set controlled mode
Set the MRL3 (H) to the controlled
mode, if not already in controlled
mode.
Example for module 0:
Set to controlled mode by the stop
command.
s0c<trm>1)
3
Set communication
parameters
If necessary, change the settings for
the serial interface.
Example for module 0:
Set serial interface to 19200 Baud, 8
Bit, no Parity
s0br+2<trm>1)
Power OFF; Wait 10s; Change
settings on the host; Power ON
1) Commands are described in 8 Command set on page 22
Remark: If the communication parameters of the module are lost, please reset the configuration to the
factory settings (7 Factory settings on page 21) using the reset button (5.2 Reset switch
on page 17). Please note that the ID switch must be reset manually.
2.2.2 Host software
Host software is required for operation of the MRL3 (H) in controlled mode. When connecting multiple
devices to a single serial line (RS422), strict Master-Slave communication must be implemented (MRL3 (H)
operates as slave). Please consult the MRC Web page for application notes.
Careful testing of the host software together with the devices prior to installation is strongly recommended.

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2.3 Automatic mode
The automatic mode is provided for host-less operation of the MRL3 (H). The analog and digitals outputs are
updated according the configuration described below as soon as the unit is powered up.
Analog Output
The analog output is configurable and works with two ranges:
–0..20mA
–4..20mA
Digital Outputs
Three digital outputs are included in the MRL3 (H). Two are programmable, while the third is used to
signal an error state of the device.
2.3.1 Configuration
After connecting the module, the following steps are necessary to configure the MRL3 (H) for the automatic
mode.
No.
Action
Comment
Command
1
Set current output
range
Defines if the current output range
from 0 to 20mA respectively from 4
to 20mA.
Example for module 0:
Set current output range from 4mA
to 20mA.
s0vm+1<trm>1)
2
Set distance range Defines minimum distance (D
min
)
and the maximum distance (D
max
)
for the distance range of the analog
output.
Example for module 0:
Set distance range from 0m to 10m
s0v+00000000+00100000<trm>1
)
3
Set analog output in
error case
Sets the current that should be
applied in case of an error.
Example for module 0:
Set current to 0mA in case of an
error.
s0ve+000<trm>1)
4
Configure digital
output
Set the ON and OFF level for the
digital outputs.
Example for module 0:
DO 1: off=2000mm on=2005mm
DO 2: off=4000mm on=4005mm
s01+00020000+00020050<trm>1
s02+00040000+00040050<trm>1
5 Save settings The changed configuration must be

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No.
Action
Comment
Command
saved to make it permanent.
Example for module 0:
Save settings for module 0
s0s<trm>1)
6
Set automatic mode
Set the MRL3 (H) to the automatic
mode with the desired update rate.
Example for module 0:
Set measurement rate to fastest
possible speed.
s0A+0<trm>1)
1) Commands are described in 8 Command set on page 21
Note: If the serial line settings of the module have been lost, please reset the configuration to the factory
settings (7 Factory settings on page 20) using the reset button (5.2 Reset switch on page 17).
Please note that the ID switch must be reset manually.
2.4 Display Mode
If the Display Mode the MRL3 formats the measured distance as an ASCII string which is understood with an
External Display with a serial interface. Since the MRL3 outputs this formatted string automatically on the
serial interface after completing the measurement, the results can be displayed on an external display
without the use of an additional controller. For a detailed description of this mode please contact MRC.
2.5 External Trigger